Wow. Although we didn't celebrate with a "traditional" sit down Thanksgiving Day bonanza, we were elated by dad's progress as he continues to fight the good fight from his hospital bed in ICU.
Having been sick the entire week preceding dad's surgery (daughters included) I literally did not have anymore "time" to take off. Although upsetting to me that I couldn't be by my mom's side during his surgery and the days that followed; we had a myriad of visitors there to provide support to mom during her time of need. And for the record, my mom NEVER asks for "help" or "moral support" - she feels it to be an intrusion on someone elses' time (the silly lady!).
That being said, you can imagine my shock when walking into work Tuesday morning, I had four voicemails from my mom. Dad had major setbacks...moving him to ICU...having brain scans to rule out stroke...getting intobated...and then the worst - "I need you to be with me..."
I didn't hesitate. I told my boss the situation, finished as much work as I could within the next hour and made it to the hospital in 62 minutes (usually takes 90 minutes). The same schedule was repeated the next day. Two days without pay: Not Good. Two days by mom and daddy's side: Priceless.
Seeing the man who has been your protector, disciplanarian and loved you unconditionally through your bumpy journey from child to woman in a bed with more than 12 tubes stemming out in various directions, and whose eyes don't recognize you as you stare lovingly into his, is humbling at best. Add his hands having to be restrained, a large tube in his throat preventing him to utter any sounds - and you've got a position you never imagined you'd see your father in.
I stroked his head (something I'd never repeat in real life due to the "awkward factor") prayed like I've never prayed before and left in time to make it to my daughters school - a mere two-hour trek with traffic. I even got pulled over the Wednesday preceding Thanksgiving. I have to say, "genuine" tears do work wonders on a state troopers empathetic side:)
But as of today, 11/28, dad is breathing on his own but still in ICU - suffering from pneumonia, e-coli and various other ailments, but at least he has regained consciousness and seems to be improving every day. Even w/o the traditional weight-inducing temptations or the ever-so-desirable leftover turkey sandwiches - I will say that this has been the
best Thanksgiving ever. I learned at the ripe old age of 34 what it truly means to be thankful.
Wow. Although we didn't celebrate with a "traditional" sit down Thanksgiving Day bonanza, we were elated by dad's progress as he continues to fight the good fight from his hospital bed in ICU.
Having been sick the entire week preceding dad's surgery (daughters included) I literally did not have anymore "time" to take off. Although upsetting to me that I couldn't be by my mom's side during his surgery and the days that followed; we had a myriad of visitors there to provide support to mom during her time of need. And for the record, my mom NEVER asks for "help" or "moral support" - she feels it to be an intrusion on someone elses' time (the silly lady!).
That being said, you can imagine my shock when walking into work Tuesday morning, I had four voicemails from my mom. Dad had major setbacks...moving him to ICU...having brain scans to rule out stroke...getting intobated...and then the worst - "I need you to be with me..."
I didn't hesitate. I told my boss the situation, finished as much work as I could within the next hour and made it to the hospital in 62 minutes (usually takes 90 minutes). The same schedule was repeated the next day. Two days without pay: Not Good. Two days by mom and daddy's side: Priceless.
Seeing the man who has been your protector, disciplanarian and loved you unconditionally through your bumpy journey from child to woman in a bed with more than 12 tubes stemming out in various directions, and whose eyes don't recognize you as you stare lovingly into his, is humbling at best. Add his hands having to be restrained, a large tube in his throat preventing him to utter any sounds - and you've got a position you never imagined you'd see your father in.
I stroked his head (something I'd never repeat in real life due to the "awkward factor") prayed like I've never prayed before and left in time to make it to my daughters school - a mere two-hour trek with traffic. I even got pulled over the Wednesday preceding Thanksgiving. I have to say, "genuine" tears do work wonders on a state troopers empathetic side:)
But as of today, 11/28, dad is breathing on his own but still in ICU - suffering from pneumonia, e-coli and various other ailments, but at least he has regained consciousness and seems to be improving every day. Even w/o the traditional weight-inducing temptations or the ever-so-desirable leftover turkey sandwiches - I will say that this has been the best Thanksgiving ever. I learned at the ripe old age of 34 what it truly means to be thankful.
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